Waitrose is to launch restaurant style dining in the evenings at one of its new stores.

FOOD & DRINK

Waitrose to offer customers restaurant style dining experience

10 April 2017 | by The Retail Bulletin

The retailer will hold a 'Supper Club' at the shop in Haywards Heath where customers will be able to have a restaurant quality meal created by chefs from its three Cookery Schools. Customers will be able to choose from an exclusive three course menu, which will include nibbles and drinks, for £35.

Waitrose will transform the mezzanine level store café for eight evenings throughout April and May and has begun taking bookings for the 50 places available each evening. The space will feature music and ambient lighting with tables laid out for both couples and larger groups.

This is the first time the concept has been launched at a new store after it was trialled for a short period last year in Waitrose’s Newbury and Salisbury stores.

Manager of the Waitrose Cookery Schools, Karen Himsworth, said: “This aims to deliver the next level of in store dining at Waitrose, building upon concepts like our sushi bars and wine bars. We want to make our stores a food destination in the evenings as well as in the day.

“We realise a supermarket might not spring to mind when people are thinking about dining out in the evening, but we want that to change. Our aim is to create an atmosphere that is inviting whether you are having a meal for two or out with a group of friends.”

Waitrose said it hopes to continue the evenings at the Haywards Heath store once the trial has finished and will also look how it might introduce the concept in other branches.